The Legacy of Bulhões
An interactive journey through the history, origins, and global ramification of a name forged in the fires of the Crusades.
From Crusade to Kingdom
The story of the Bulhões name is one of transformation, a linguistic and cultural journey that spans from the heart of medieval Europe to the shores of Portugal and beyond.
Bouillon
Bulhom
Bulhões
The Bouillon Legend
Rooted in the Old French bouille (marshland), the name shares its linguistic DNA with the town of Bouillon, Belgium. Tradition weaves a compelling narrative connecting the family to the house of Godfrey of Bouillon, the famed Crusader King.
While history confirms the linguistic evolution from "de Bouillon" to the archaic "de Bulhom" and finally Bulhões, the direct lineage remains a cherished legend—symbolizing the family's enduring spirit of faith and nobility that defined the Crusades.
A Journey Through Time
From the Crusades to the Age of Discovery and beyond, the name has been present in the annals of kingdoms and continents.
The First Crusade
The house of Bouillon rises to prominence as Godfrey of Bouillon becomes one of the primary leaders of the First Crusade.
Arrival in Portugal
A knight from the house of Bouillon assists Afonso Henriques in the Reconquista, establishing the family in Portugal.
Birth of a Saint
Fernando Martins de Bulhões is born in Lisbon, later becoming known as Saint Anthony of Padua.
Expansion to the New World
Following the Portuguese colonization of Brazil, families including the Bulhões begin to migrate to the new territory.
Modern Diaspora
Individuals migrate from Portugal and Brazil to other parts of the world, creating a modern global diaspora.
From Lisbon to the World
While the roots run deep in Portuguese soil, the branches of the Bulhões family tree stretch across the Atlantic. The age of exploration carried the name to Brazil, where it flourished and expanded, becoming one of the most prominent lineages in the New World.
Portugal
Brazil
Notable Figures
Individuals who have borne the name with distinction throughout history.
Godfrey of Bouillon
A leader of the First Crusade and first ruler of Jerusalem. The Bulhões lineage is traditionally traced back to his noble house.
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St. Anthony of Lisbon
The most illustrious member of the lineage. Born in the Alfama district of Lisbon to Martim de Bulhões, he became a Franciscan friar famed for his preaching and miracles. He is the patron saint of Lisbon and one of the most popular saints in the Catholic Church.
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A representative figure of the family's presence in Brazilian civic life, serving in political roles for regional governance in the 20th century.
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Known for his work in the early 20th century, he contributed to the modernization and urban planning of cities in Brazil.
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An influential economist and minister of finance in Brazil during the mid-20th century, he played a crucial role in the country's economic reforms.
Read BiographyThe Modern Descendant
Today, hundreds of thousands of people carry the Bulhões name or its variations, continuing a legacy nearly a millennium in the making.
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